Upcoming Fall Festivals in Colorado

With the leaves already changing, another fun Colorado fall kicks off in the Rocky Mountains. The season runs from the Autumn Equinox on Sunday, September 22nd to Friday, December 20th, 2024, the day before the Winter Solstice.

Autumn is full of exciting fall festivals in Colorado, toasting an end to summer and welcoming the cooler fall weather. Aspens transition to shades of red and the beer gets darker. Rafts are traded for snow tubes and hiking boots for ski boots. It’s an exciting time in the Centennial State!

2024 Annual Colorado Fall Events

A slew of Colorado Oktoberfests kicked off at the end of August and run through mid-October. There’s also the Great American Beer Fest, Breckenridge Craft Spirits Festival, and Denver International Wine Festival. These are just a few of the libation-filled festivals to warm you up.

Here are some of the top annual fall festivals in Colorado, in chronological order:

Festivals in September

Civic Center EATS

• Date: Wednesday and Thursday, early May to mid October 2024
• Address: Denver
• About: Civic Center EATS is a one-stop shop for some of the best food on wheels in the Mile High City. Located in Denver’s Civic Center Park, there will be about 10 to 15 food trucks selling a myriad of delicious meals.

Highlands Farmers Market

• Date: Sundays, May 19 – October 13, 2024
• Address: Highland Square, 32nd Avenue, Denver
• About: Great farmer’s market with handcrafted goods and locally grown produce. Go hungry because there is plenty of homemade food for sale, fresh and ready to eat.

La Junta Tarantula Migration

• Date: September – early October
• Address: La Junta
• About: Each year, from September through early October, the Oklahoma brown tarantula comes out with a procession of male counterparts on a mission to find a mate. La Junta also hosts a festival in October to celebrate this unique occasion.

The 13th Floor Haunted House

• Date: Select days, mid September to early November 2024
• Address: Denver
• About: The 13th Floor Haunted House is Denver’s legendary and most horrifying Halloween event. If a night of fright is on your agenda, this is the place for you.

Aspen Filmfest

• Date: Tuesday-Sunday, September 17-22, 2024
• Address: Aspen
• About: Aspen Film’s flagship event, the 45th annual Filmfest, showcases narrative and documentary features, along with international independent films.

Breck Film Festival

• Date: Thur-Sun, September 19-22, 2024
• Address: Breckenridge
• About: The 44th annual festival features a variety of independent films, premieres, receptions, educational programs, and retrospectives; 70+ films, parties, and forums.

Monte Vista 3rd Friday Art Walk

• Date: Friday, September 20, 2024
• Address: Monte Vista
• About: Those who love art and music should head to downtown Monte Vista this summer for the 3rd Friday Art Walk. Taking place in different forms year-round, during the warmer months a portion of Adams St. will be blocked off for artists, musicians, and vendors.

Colorfest Balloon Rally

• When: Fri-Sun, September 20-22, 2024
• Where: Pagosa Springs
• What: 37th anniversary of high-flying fun, held annually since 1986. The Passport to Pagosa Food & Wine Fest kicks off the festivities on Friday night with international wine and food pairings, followed by a 5k run and two mass ascensions.

Chile & Frijoles Festival

• Date: Fri-Sun, September 20-22, 2024
• Address: Pueblo
• About: Annual three-day pepper party held the third weekend after Labor Day. Farmers sell more than 50,000 pounds of peppers, including the Mirasol, a native to the Pueblo region.

Colorado Mountain Winefest

• Date: Saturday, September 21, 2024
• Address: Riverbend Park, Palisade
• About: Dozens of local wineries attend Colorado’s premier wine festival, now in its 32nd season. There are interactive seminars, demos, live entertainment, fantastic food, unlimited wine samples, and plenty of vino for sale.

Lake City Uncorked Wine & Music Festival

• Date: Saturday, September 21, 2024
• Address: Lake City
• About: Music and wine festival in one of Colorado’s most picturesque and remote towns.

Luvin Arms Gala

• Date: Saturday, September 21, 2024
• Address: Erie
• About: An annual gala to raise donations for the Luvin Arms Animal Sanctuary that features a live auction, cocktail hour, and vegan dinner.

Durango Autumn Arts Festival

• Date: Sat-Sun, September 21-22, 2024
• Address: Downtown Durango
• About: Discover a weekend of arts and crafts on Second Avenue in downtown Durango. Explore the various booths selling their handmade goods among the fall colors.

Telluride Autumn Classic

• Date: Thur-Sat, September 26-28, 2024
• Address: Telluride
• About: A 3-day mountain event celebrating everything an automobile, motorcycle, and airplane enthusiast could ever dream of.

Elk Fest

• Date: Sat-Sun, September 28-29, 2024
• Address: Bond Park, Estes Park
• About: Fall festival celebrating the annual elk “rut”. Events include a Mountain Man Rendezvous, Native American music and dancing, a bugling contest, elk seminars, and exhibits, as well as food and craft vendors. There’s also an elk-viewing bus.

Handmade In Colorado Expo: Glenwood Springs

• Date: Saturday-Sunday, September 28-29, 2024
• Address: 7th St. & Bethel Plaza, Glenwood Springs
• About: 17th annual art event held over four weekends at four different venues around the state, showcasing various creations from Colorado artists.

Festivals in October

Highlands Farmers Market

• Date: Sundays, May 19 – October 13, 2024
• Address: Highland Square, 32nd Avenue, Denver
• About: Great farmer’s market with handcrafted goods and locally grown produce. Go hungry because there is plenty of homemade food for sale, fresh and ready to eat.

Civic Center EATS

• Date: Wednesday and Thursday, early May to mid October, 2024
• Address: Denver
• About: Civic Center EATS is a one-stop shop for some of the best food on wheels you can find in the Mile High City. Located in Denver’s Civic Center Park, there will be about 10 to 15 food trucks selling a myriad of delicious meals.

The 13th Floor Haunted House

• Date: Select days, mid September to early November 2024
• Address: Denver
• About: The 13th Floor Haunted House is Denver’s legendary and most horrifying Halloween event. If a night of fright is on your agenda, this is the place for you.

Durango Cowboy Poetry Gathering

• Date: Thur-Sun, October 3-6, 2024
• Address: Durango
• About: Celebrate the rich history of the American cowboy, with live performances, poets, and musicians, now in its 36th year.

Handmade In Colorado Expo:  Vail Village

• Date: Friday-Saturday, October 4-5, 2024
• Address: Vail Village
• About: 17th annual art event held over four weekends at four different venues around the state, showcasing various creations from Colorado artists.

Cedaredge Applefest

• Date: Fri-Sun, October 4-6, 2024
• Address: Cedaredge
• About: Celebrate Cedaredge’s rich farming history at this annual autumn celebration happening the first full weekend in October.  Some highlights include a chili cook-off, golf tournament, 5K run, classic car show, live concerts, and apple pie sales.

Phamaly Theatre Company

• Date: Mon-Sun, October 7-20, 2024 —Funny As A Crutch | Glorious World of Crowns, Kinks and Curls
• Address: Aurora
• About: Now in its 35th season, the Phamaly Theatre Company presents two shows at The People’s Building at 9995 East Colfax Avenue in Aurora.

​Great American Beer Festival

• Date: Thur-Sat, October 10-12, 2024
• Address: Convention Center, Denver
• About: Heading into its 42nd year, GABF is one of the largest beer festivals in the US, with four sessions to choose from, and over 3500 beers.

Breckenridge Craft Spirits Festival

• Date: Fri-Sun, October 11-13, 2024
• Address: Breckenridge
• About: Enjoy live music, regional liquor, and food. Events include Poker Run, Historic Saloon Walking Tour, Breckenridge Distillery Tours, Honey Gitter’s live show at the historic Gold Pan Saloon, and Hangover Brunch.

Pumpkin Festival at Chatfield Farms

• Date: Fri-Sun, October 11-13, 2024
• Address: Chatfield Farms, Littleton
• About: The 10-acre pumpkin patch at Chatfield Farms, operated by the Denver Botanic Gardens, operates for only one weekend. Head on out to pick out your favorite pumpkin and then stroll the other wonderful plants on display.

Telluride Horror Show

• Date: Fri-Sun, October 11-13, 2024
• Address: Nugget Theatre, Telluride
• About: The 14th annual 3-day Telluride Horror Show is the state’s spookiest and largest horror film festival boasting plenty of films to scare your pants off.

Dia de los Muertos

• Date: Saturday, October 12, 2024 | Events also held throughout October
• Address: Longmont
• About: Celebrate the annual Day of the Dead Festival in Longmont. This longstanding Mexican tradition is on full display in downtown and other locations around the city.

bRUNch Run 5K + 10K

• Date: Sun, October 13, 2024
• Address: Denver
• About: A fundraising race that comes with brunch, scented medals, and free swag, this event is for those who love getting active and eating.

Rocky Mountain Women’s Film Festival

• Date: Fri-Sun, October 18-20, 2024
• Address: Colorado Springs
• About: With the purpose of cultivating awareness, empathy, and a deeply connected community, the Rocky Mountain Women’s Film Festival is a 3-day celebration of women and others who are often unseen, unheard, and misunderstood.

Knock Your Boots Off Beer Tasting & Chili Cook-Off

• Date: Saturday, October 19, 2024
• Address: Golden
• About: Annual chili competition featuring bottomless craft beer and chili tastings held by downtown Golden.

Treat Street

• Date: Sat-Sun, October 19-20, 2024
• Address: Aurora
• About: A Halloween trick-or-treating family fun event hosted at the Arapahoe County “Scaregrounds” full of costumes, games, and delicious treats.

Colorado Springs Sports Hall of Fame

• Date: Tues, October 22, 2024
• Address: Colorado Springs
• About: The Colorado Springs Sports Hall of Fame induction ceremony is a yearly celebration of the athletes, teams, coaches, and contributors who have left their mark on the community. Taking place at the Broadmoor World Arena, there will be a reception, silent auction, and dinner.

Wine In The Pines

• Date: Friday-Saturday, October 25-26, 2024
• Address: Keystone
• About: Summit County’s premier wine festival returns in 2024 for its 4oth year! Enjoy exquisite wine paired with savory cuisine.

Emma Crawford Coffin Races & Parade

• Date: Sat, October 26, 2024
• Address: Manitou Springs
• About: Starting with a parade through town, the annual coffin races are formed of teams of four pallbearers and one “Emma”. The races have been covered nationally by the Travel Channel and are usually held on the last Saturday in October.

Festivals in November

The 13th Floor Haunted House

• Date: Select days, mid September to early November 2024
• Address: Denver
• About: The 13th Floor Haunted House is Denver’s legendary and most horrifying Halloween event. If a night of fright is on your agenda, this is the place for you.

Denver Film Festival

• Date: Fri-Sun, November 1-10, 2024
• Address: Denver
• About: Back for its 47th year, the Denver Film Festival showcases hundreds of full-length films, music videos, and shorts at multiple locations across the city.

Denver Arts Week

• Date: Fri-Sun, November 1-10, 2024
• Address: Denver
• About: All of Denver comes alive with creativity each November for over eight days as it collectively celebrates the city’s creative neighborhoods, museums, galleries, and all-around artistic vibe.

Bloody Mary Festival

• Date: Sun, November 3, 2024
• Address: EXDO Event Center, Denver
• About: The 8th Annual Bloody Mary Festival is the largest event of its kind, boasting a range of unique and tantalizing Bloody Marys as well as plenty of food and beverages.

Denver Veterans Day Run

• Date: Saturday, November 9, 2024
• Address: City Park, Denver
• About: Back for its 16th year, the Denver Veterans Day Run is both an in-person and virtual 5k and 10k event that directly benefits Colorado Vets.

Georgetown Bighorn Sheep Festival

• Date: Saturday, November 9, 2024
• Address: Georgetown
• About: Home of one of the oldest and largest bighorn herds in the entire state, enjoy wildlife programs, children’s activities, hikes, music, crafts, and more at this festival.

Warren Miller Film Tour

• Date: late October through December, 2o24
• Address: Multiple showings across Colorado
• About: An annual film tour following skiers and snowboarders as they take on the snow. From backyard hills to mega mountains, this tour kicks off the winter season with a bang.

Denver Botanic Gardens Blossoms of Light

• Date: Fri-Sun, November 20, 2024 – January 12, 2025 (closed Nov. 28 and Dec. 25)
• Address: Denver
• About: A stroll through the Denver Botanic Gardens is a delightful way to celebrate the holiday season. The Blossoms of Light extravaganza is a twinkling and breathtaking way to spend a winter evening.

Denver Christmas Show

• Date: Fri-Sun, November 22-24, 2024
• Address: Denver
• About: This Christmas-themed event is held at the Colorado Convention Center. Explore the more than 450 and 300 booths, respectively, of arts, crafts, and gifts from local vendors. Santa will be on-site at both locations, so bring the kids.

Denver Christkindlmarket

• Date: Fri-Sat, November 22-December 23, 2024
• Address: Civic Center Park, 101 14th Ave, Denver
• About: 24th year for the month-long Christkindl Market in downtown Denver. Experience old German traditions with authentic cuisine, live music, holiday drinks, and an artisan marketplace.

Polar Express Train Ride

• Date: Fri-Sun, November 22, 2024 – January 1, 2025
• Address: Durango
• About: Aboard the Polar Express Train Ride, you and your family will be swept away into an elaborate holiday fantasy complete with hot chocolate, a light show, holiday music, and, of course, Santa.

ICE! Christmas at Gaylord Rockies

• Date: Fri-Sun, November 22, 2024 – January 1, 2025
• Address: Gaylord Rockies Resort, Aurora
• About: Annual holiday lights and ice display held at Gaylord Rockies Resort, home to Arapahoe Springs Waterpark. Book an overnight package that combines entertainment and makes the most of this Christmas celebration.

Castle Rock Starlighting

• Date: Saturday, November 23, 2024
• Address: Wilcox Square, Downtown Castle Rock
• About: This unique celebration showcases the lighting of the star atop Castle Rock. It has been held every year since 1962 and features food, drinks, caroling, dancing and Santa Claus.

Winter on the Mountain

• Dates: Saturday, November 23 and 30, Saturday, December 7, 14, and 21, Sunday, December 22, 2024
• Address: Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park, Glenwood Springs
• About: Holiday festivities at over 7,000 feet on Iron Mountain. See more than 500,000 lights, meet Santa and listen to live music at Winter on the Mountain.

Festivals in December

Warren Miller Film Tour

• Date: late October through December, 2o24
• Address: Multiple showings across Colorado
• About: An annual film tour following skiers and snowboarders as they take on the snow. From backyard hills to mega mountains, this tour kicks off the winter season with a bang.

Denver Botanic Gardens Blossoms of Light

• Date: Fri-Sun, November 20, 2024 – January 12, 2025 (closed Nov. 28 and Dec. 25)
• Address: Denver
• About: A stroll through the Denver Botanic Gardens is a delightful way to celebrate the holiday season. The Blossoms of Light extravaganza is a twinkling and breathtaking way to spend a winter evening.

Denver Christkindlmarket

• Date: Fri-Sat, November 22-December 23, 2024
• Address: Civic Center Park, 101 14th Ave, Denver
• About: 24th year for the month-long Christkindl Market in downtown Denver. Experience old German traditions with authentic cuisine, live music, holiday drinks, and an artisan marketplace.

Polar Express Train Ride

• Date: Fri-Sun, November 22, 2024 – January 1, 2025
• Address: Durango
• About: Aboard the Polar Express Train Ride, you and your family will be swept away into an elaborate holiday fantasy complete with hot chocolate, a light show, holiday music, and, of course, Santa.

ICE! Christmas at Gaylord Rockies

• Date: Fri-Sun, November 22, 2024 – January 1, 2025
• Address: Gaylord Rockies Resort, Aurora
• About: Annual holiday lights and ice display held at Gaylord Rockies Resort, home to Arapahoe Springs Waterpark. Book an overnight package that combines entertainment and makes the most of this Christmas celebration.

Mind Blown Telluride

• Date: Fri-Sat, late November 2024 through March 2025
• Address: Telluride
• About: Taking place at The Peaks Resort & Spa, Ty Gallenbeck puts on a 75-minute magic performance that makes guests question the known.

Colorado Springs Record Show

• Date: TBD 2024
• Address: Colorado Springs
• About: With dozens of vendors and thousands of records, CDs, LPs, cassettes, 8-tracks, and more, if you love music and the sound of vinyl, this is a must-attend event.

Holiday Arts Bazaar

• Date: Fri-Sun, December 6-8, 2024
• Address: Telluride
• About: A 3-day holiday market that sells an array of locally made and handcrafted items including jewelry, food, clothing, and ceramics.

The Lighting of Breckenridge & Race of the Santas

• Date: Saturday, December 7, 2024
• Address: Breckenridge
• About: Kick off December with the family by participating in this holiday event. Watch the town light up as hundreds of Santas run through the streets.

Festival of Lights Parade

• Date: Saturday, December 7, 2024
• Address: Tejon Street, Colorado Springs
• About: Colorado Springs starts its holiday season off by illuminating the town with the Festival of Lights Parade. Bring the family and enjoy the festivities as Santa and a myriad of floats wander down the road.

Winter on the Mountain

• Dates: Saturday, December 7, 14, and 21, Sunday, December 22, 2024
• Address: Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park, Glenwood Springs
• About: Holiday festivities at over 7,000 feet on Iron Mountain. See more than 500,000 lights, meet Santa and listen to live music at Winter on the Mountain.

Georgetown Christmas Market

• Date: Sat-Sun, December 7-8 and 14-15, 2024
• Address: 6th Street, Georgetown
• About: 64th annual Christmas Market is held on the first two Saturdays and Sundays in December. Celebrations include a European outdoor marketplace, holiday entertainment, horse-drawn wagon rides, Saint Nicholas, Christmas museum tours, high tea at Grace Hall, wassail crawl, hot roasted chestnuts, and Santa Lucia Children’s Procession.

Ullr Fest

• Date: Thurs-Sat, December 12-14, 2024
• Address: Breckenridge
• About: Festival celebrating the winter god of Norse mythology, now in its 61st year. Shenanigans include frying pans, Viking hats, “Ullympic” competitions and a floats parade.

Christmas in the Gold Camps

• Date: Thur-Sat, December 12-14, 2024
• Address: Cripple Creek
• About: Get into the holiday spirit by enjoying a weekend of fun full of festive activities, a winter parade, and a light show.

Evergreen Winterfest

• Date: Saturday, December 14, 2024
• Address: Evergreen
• About: Community arts festival showcasing handmade gifts at the Center for the Arts Evergreen.

Thanks for checking out some of the great fall festivals in Colorado! Enjoy the good times and the changing of seasons. We hope yo make it out to a few of these September, October, November and December events.

If the leaves are still there and summer is in the air, browse this roundup of upcoming summer events or plan for the winter events that are heading your way.